John Wick
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Feb 2004
Location:
Posts: 27 |
John Wick Talks Back
Hi folks. My big, clumsy, arthritic fingers were not made for typing so this message is not coming through my fingers. It is, however, coming from my mouth into a tape recorder. Lisa, that does my secretarial work a couple of days a week, is typing this and sending it on for your use if you care to read it. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned, too busy, or not sufficiently interested, but I don’t know much about using computers (not even how to turn one off or on). I understand and agree that they’re wonderful gizmos. Maybe someday I’ll catch up to you folks, but at this point my knowledge of computers, internet, web sites, chatrooms, and all that stuff is very limited.
However, almost daily a wide variety of folks contact me who feel that I need to know what’s being said about me. For the past couple of years, these reports have been coming more and more frequently along with increasingly stronger requests or even demands for me to defend or clarify myself. My reply to these well-meaning folks is that it’s my experience that 10 percent of people are simply very negative thinkers and the only fun they get out of life comes from ridiculing, backstabbing, or lying about anyone and everyone that is actually trying to do positive things. Accomplishment and criticism come in the same package.
The few people who really know me realize that I strongly believe in the right of free speech and freedom in general, and I’m by nature kind of a mellow and non-confrontational type of guy. I also strongly believe that people writing or talking should stick to the truth and should load the brain before shooting the mouth. I’d have to admit that when those things aren’t done I do get a little riled up. Even a teddy bear that’s poked, prodded, or kicked enough can occasionally turn into a grizzly.
Recently a few printouts coming from various computer sources were brought to my attention. Much of what is there is good and positive and meant to be helpful. And then there’s some that just make me wonder and worry about them. The venom in their words and the viciousness in their hearts make it plain that they have some unresolved issues that only a fellar like Dr. Phil would have any chance of understanding and then straightening out. No matter what group of humans you want to talk about there are about 10 percent of them that just can’t have a good day unless they’re trying to build themselves up by tearing someone else down. Heck, that’s just the way it is. Always was. Always will be.
I have recently come to the conclusion that some of the incorrect info that they or some nice and well-meaning folks may be mistakenly dishing out should be challenged or corrected. Many of my friends have finally convinced me that when a lot of mud and other stuff are slung against the wall, some of it is going to stick. Nice folks who are trying to learn may get misled from slightly to severely. So, with some reluctance, I’ve decided that for the foreseeable future once or twice a month I’ll talk into this tape recorder when I have a comment to make about me or any other subject that’s being incorrectly portrayed.
Although feeling doubtful that UKC would condone or allow me to do that, I did what anyone ought to do when they want to find out something. I called the moderator and asked. He immediately assured me he would not only allow it, but would encourage and welcome it. He made it very apparent that they also want to deal in truth and facts. They’re not happy when the negativity level drops below a sensible or decent level.
I want it to be crystal clear that I am all about helping this sport and nice folks everywhere. In general, I feel as though we are a big family, and we should be striving to pull together and find common ground and ways to be upbeat, positive, and helpful. We hear enough thrashing and trashing and vicious negativity from our politicians. For most of us our dogs and our sport are a way to try to escape that type of thinking, acting, and talking. So, my goal will be to inform, provide food for thought, encourage, compliment, unite, and help. And yes, once in a while challenge, clarify, correct, or explain. It WILL NOT be a question and answer forum or a dialog with pen pals. It will be nothing more or less than once or twice a month posting a few thoughts from Uncle John in response to various things I’ve seen, heard, or read.
Your thoughts, agreements, criticisms, suggestions, and comments are invited and welcomed. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT EVERYBODY! I’ll talk to you again in a week or two.
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02-23-2004 08:57 PM
